Monday, July 16, 2012

Palkulamedu – Muyalpaara

Though Paalkulamedu
was in the hit list for long, couldn’t reach up to it in earlier ventures to
Cheruthoni. This time I was determined, despite deterrents, as Arun, a native
of Chelachuvadu, the base of the hillock, offered necessary support. Left Govt. Guest House at Cheruthoni, early morning, and drove along Cheruthoni Ernakulam route. On
reaching Chelachuvadu, met Subin, an experienced driver in the terrain, who
later amazed us – read it as frightened – with his unmatched driving skill.

It was
just eight in a misty morning, as we boarded Subin’s 4WD vehicle. Deviated from
Cheruthoni – Ernakulam road at Churuli and the initial stretch went through
plantations. Ten minutes later, the road appeared to end in front of a mud wall
and only on drawing close, another narrow track at about 120 degree, got into
view. Subin had to shift to the reverse gear twice, to get the vehicle on the
track and this went routine, in almost all the hairpin curves ahead. The track was just a green carpet many places, indicating the lower frequency of vehicle traffic in this sector

This time too,
we had our six month old traveler – Nandu – with us and he seemed to enjoy the
4WD experience, as he started singing in his own language. By then the greenery
embraced, lifting us to a totally new world – call it heaven. As usual, opted to walk at places where Jeep was sure to trail.

As the jeep drew
atop Paalkkulamedu, we had nothing else but the green hillocks all around, with occasional
patches of shola woods.

The ambience was
so majestic and magical, that it never came into our thoughts, that it was
still summer in our planes. Subin guided us into a wooded patch, at the midst
of which there was a spring, with ice cold water gushing out and it never
exhausts – we were told.

On the other side of the patch, we could have a better
view of the woods and mounts, bordering the districts of Idukki and Ernakulam.

On spotting dung scattered around, Subin told us about a Tusker in the region,
who is reported to be friendly with human. Though we could sense his presence,
we weren’t lucky enough to experience his hospitality.

It was then, another distant
grass hillock attracted my attention and got to know that its 'Muyalpaara', named
before the abundance of hare in that region. My doubtful gesture ‘Shall we?’
was retorted with a loud ‘Why not?’, and we were back on the jeep, cruising
ahead for Muyalpaara. Two turns ahead, the track condition forced us to insist
a return, but Subin was determined. We, the helpless folk, had no other choice
but to obey the commander, fearfully.

The track condition was so bad that some one other than Subin wouldn't have tried it. At places the
track was too narrow, with deep ravine by the side.

By then we grew confidence
on our chauffeur and people started enjoying the drive. Subin had to leave the vehicle, twice, to clear off rocks from the path, brought along the flow from the upper hill.

At the last stretch, there wasn't even a track and the jeep went climbing the rocky terrain, on assumed
paths. It came to a halt atop a huge flat rock, and the view around was
awesome.

Aerial view of the village of ‘Mulakuvalli’, in the valley and never ending stretch of
thick woods was what visible.

On directions, left the Jeep and climbed a bit down along the other side of the hillock, landed on another rocky plane and found Subin pointing south. Ran up to him and what else, the Idukki dam itself could be spotted, though too
far away.

Arrow points Idukki Dam

Hare droppings were found abundantly scattered enforcing the name evidently.

Roamed around enjoying the views and wild berries, till noon and it
was time to return to earth. Now we knew Subin – no worries – and enjoyed the
heaven to earth journey, landing safely at Chelachuvadu, in another hour. Another dream destination has been conquered, with the bonus of Muyalpara, for which I am grateful to Subin.

have u visited this droping point of water from palkulamedu?it is fantastic. the monsoon rainy season we can see far from this falling. After one km from karimpan to cheruthoni route, drive to right side we will reach there. this bathing very experience.Dear Shinu, please take interest and make facebook group who interested in forest and travel like you. i have some experience, like too many people come together in one group we can get more places like unknown beautiful spots.this monthe yathra u can see kallenimedu yathra, i already posted in this place in my face book. thanks sadu .. kalimandalam@hotmail.com

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